The New Orleans Saints would be wise to tap into a deep pool of talented edge rushers during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Despite 84 QB hits, the Saints had only 39 sacks last season. Only 16 of those sacks came from their defensive ends and edge rushers. Over the last two years, New Orleans edge rushers have combined for just 31 sacks, among the lowest in the league.
The Saints are also looking to get younger and faster at this position. With new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley expected to run a 3-4 scheme, athleticism on the outside is a big need.
New Orleans could address this with an early round draft choice. Some potential targets with their ninth pick in the first round could be Mykel Williams of Georgia, Tennessee's James Pearce Jr., or Shemar Stewart of Texas A&M.
Day 2 edge rush targets include Princely Umanmielen of Mississippi, Tyler Baron of Miami, Landon Jackson of Arkansas, UCLA's Oluwafemi Oladejo, Kyle Kennard of South Carolina, and Ohio State's J.T. Tuimoloau. There are also a few edge rushers that fall in between that range.
Marshall's Mike Green is among a couple that may be a stretch as a top-12 choice but could also very well be selected before the end of the first round. Here is another of those players that has slipped under the radar of some draft analysts.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge (Boston College)
Boston College Eagles defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku (6) rushes the passer against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Somewhat lightly recruited out of Williamstown High School in New Jersey, Ezeiruaku chose Boston College. He'd contribute immediately as a freshman in 2021, recording 3 sacks.
In 2022, Ezeiruaku had 8.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 3 forced fumbles to lead the Eagles in all three categories. That production earned him 2nd Team All-ACC recognition.
Heading into 2023, Ezeiruaku was named preseason 1st Team All-ACC. His production dipped with 2 sacks and 7 tackles for loss among 53 total stops, but he still forced 2 fumbles.
Ezeiruaku exploded into national prominence this past season. He had 16.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss, with both numbers leading the ACC. That earned him 1st Team All-American accolades along with the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation's top defensive end.
Boston College Eagles defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku (6) engages with SMU Mustangs offensive lineman Savion Byrd (54). Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
An NFL team looking for instant pass rush production may look Ezeiruaku's way. He needs to improve some areas of his game to be an every down contributor, but certainly adds value as a specialist.
Even as a rush end in a 3-4, Ezeiruaku is undersized at 6'2" and 248-Lbs. Bigger blockers can engulf him, especially in the running game but also rushing the passer. He doesn't have the size or strength to set a consistent base against the run, making him a potential liability.
Ezeiruaku is a solid athlete, but doesn't have the speed or top-tier quickness to make up for his size limitations. He often tries to win with finesse moves, which can allow blockers to pick up on tendencies. He'll also get hung up in traffic too often when trying to chase plays down from behind.
Ezeiruaku may not have the raw explosiveness or natural power that jumps off the charts. Where he gets his wins is through elite technique and quickness at the snap. He'll get penetration by attacking blockers at various angles.
An impressive burst at the snap allows Ezeiruaku to get immediate leverage advantages. He has an outstanding bend around the edge to get past blockers in a flash, but also eye-popping agility to blow by them with inside moves.
Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) is sacked by Boston College Eagles defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku (6). Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Ezeiruaku possesses terrific recognition of opposing offenses. He can split blockers against the run to make plays and expertly sets up linemen with an array of counter moves.
Ezeiruaku has the balance to win at nearly impossible angles. His motor allows him to make plays late in reps and uses his hands and upper body movement well to disengage. While often at a size disadvantage, Ezeiruaku is a top-tier technician and extremely slippery for blockers to handle.
Donovan Ezeiruaku is projected as a second-round choice. He'll be a pass rush specialist early in his career and must prove that he can hold up against the run to be anything more.
With pass rushers at a premium, Ezeiruaku could even be a surprise first-round selection. He'll need development to be an every down factor. However, his ability to disrupt the quarterback may make him an ideal Day 2 target for a Saints team desperate for production in that capacity.
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This story was originally published April 3, 2025 at 10:35 AM.